Purpose or Intent
The Westbrook Public Library provides free use of computers and access
to the Internet to all users, with the understanding that it is the
individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for
others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources.
The purpose of the Computer and Internet Use Policy is to insure the
best use of computers and access to the Internet by the greatest number
of people.

Internet Use Guidelines
Library workstations may not be used to view sexually explicit
material, illegal drug-related, gang related, hate group related or
violent materials. Library computers may be used to visit chat sites or
other forms of electronic communications. Users will not disclose, use
or disseminate personal information regarding minors without
authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.
Users will obey copyright laws and licensing agreements. Users may not
change the settings and configuration, use non-library software, or
save anything to the hard drive of a library workstation. Users may not
circumvent the established procedure for access to the Internet. It is
not acceptable to use the Library’s computers for any purpose which
violates U.S. or state laws, to transmit obscene or harassing
materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users. Users are
financially responsible for any damage to the Library’s equipment,
hardware, or software. The Library’s Rules of Behavior on Library
Premises policy applies to the behavior of patrons using library
equipment and resources. Parents and guardians must also maintain
supervision of their children in the library while using the Internet.
Failure to follow this policy could result in revocation of library
privileges. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and
appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or prohibit
use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use
Policy as stated or implied herein.

Time Limits
Computer workstations are available on a first come basis whenever the
library is open. Workstations may be reserved by signing up at the
circulation desk or by telephone. Workstations may be reserved up to
one week in advance. Use of the Internet is limited to a single
one-hour session per day. Use of a computer workstation for word
processing will be limited to a single two-hour session per day. If no
one is waiting to use a computer/Internet workstation, use may continue
until it is needed for another person. If a person does not arrive
within fifteen minutes of the scheduled time, the workstation will
become available for someone else to use. Two persons may share one
access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not
disturb other users or library staff. Extended use of a computer
workstation is up to the discretion of library staff on duty.

Charges and Fees
There is a charge of $.25 for all black-and-white copies, and $.50 for
all color copies. Users will be charged for all pages that come off the
printers, including misprints. All fees must be
paid at the time of service.

Minors
Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility of monitoring their
children’s use of the Internet, including email, chat rooms and other
forms of electronic communications. Parents should also caution their
minor children about sharing personal information on the Internet.
Staff is not responsible for monitoring minors’ activities while on the
Internet.

Filters
To comply with Federal and State laws, the Board of Library Trustees
has approved installation of software designed to filter sexually
explicit content on all computers. The blocking software filter is
inherently imprecise and flawed. It inevitably will block access to a
vast array of constitutionally protected material on the Internet.
Because of its technological limitations, the filter is also incapable
of protecting against all access to Internet material that is obscene,
contains child pornography, or is otherwise harmful to minors. The
library can unblock individual web sites that have been blocked by the
filter. The library will disable the entire filter for adult users 18
and over upon request. The requesting user will not have to explain why
he or she is asking that the site be unlocked or the entire filter be
turned-off. The library encourages users to request that the filter be
disabled as needed.

Privacy
The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could
compromise the privacy of patrons. Sign-up sheets are maintained on
paper locally to manage access to computer workstations. Those lists
are shredded daily. There is no electronic tracking of workstation use
that would enable the library to determine who users are or what they
did on library computers after logging off. Users must also exercise
caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use
and dissemination of personal, identifiable information. Users are
encouraged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing
information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. Absolute
privacy for people using electronic resources in the library cannot be
guaranteed.

Wireless Internet Access
The Computer and Internet Use Policy applies to any laptop used to
access the Internet through the library’s Wi-Fi connection. As a
result, your Internet connection will be filtered and prohibited web
sites will be blocked. Users are responsible for making sure their
computers have the correct settings and necessary hardware. Library
staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or
troubleshooting problems. Library staff will provide limited
instruction for access. The library cannot guarantee that users’
hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.

Responsibility of the Library
The library is obligated to comply with federal and state law regarding
the use of computer resources in the prevention of exposure to certain
explicit images and material. Library staff is available to introduce
Internet access and provide limited instruction only.

Disclaimer
The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of
material and opinions from varied points of view. Users need to be good
information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Not
all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current
information. It is the responsibility of the user to make individual
choices and decisions when using the Internet. Users may encounter
material that could be considered inappropriate. Parents of minor
children assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet
through the Library’s connection. The Library expressly disclaims any
liability or responsibilities arising from access to or use of
information obtained through its electronic information systems or any
consequences thereof. Laptops and other devices should never be left
unattended in the library. The library assumes no responsibility for
damage, theft or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment, software, or
data files.